YOGA
Who: Perri van Rossem, over 10 years of experience in Hatha Yoga and owner of Yoga with Perri in Kingston, ON.
What is it? It is easier to begin by stating what Yoga is not. Yoga is not a one size fits all exercise system for the body alone. It’s a practical philosophy of life that teaches us about what causes suffering and what we can do to alleviate it.
How long has it been around? Yoga’s origins can be traced back to about 5,000 years ago in the ancient Hindu world. In the West, it was introduced in 1893 at Chicago’s World Conference on Religion.
Beauty benefit? “Peace within makes beauty without.” When we are at peace, our inner light shines and our natural beauty glows through.
Health benefit? Helps with the main threat to human health: stress. Asanas (body position) practice moves all the joints of the body through their range of motion. It improves flexibility and strength. It also improves our respiratory, circulatory and digestive system.
Bet you didn’t know: 15 or 20 minutes a day of a
regular consistent daily practice is far more beneficial than 60 or 90 minutes once or twice a week.
Who should do it? Everyone. No matter what
your age, condition, health, race or religion, everyone can benefit from yoga with proper instruction and appropriate practice.
Great for: Back aches, head aches, low/high blood pressure, osteoporosis, whip lash and asthma.
Know this: Yoga should be taught by a qualified, well-trained instructor and modified to suit
individual needs.
PILATES
Who: Gina Bastone, Pilates extraordinaire and fitness guru
in Toronto.
What is it? A system of exercises based on aerobics with a few precise movements emphasizing control and form to strengthen, stretch and stabilize key muscles. Focused on six key principles: concentration, control, centering, flow, precision and breathing.
How long has it been around? Developed in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates, a German gymnast, to help rehabilitate soldiers returning from battle.
Beauty benefit? Strengthens the core for killer abs, aimed at improving flexibility for poise and easy movement for a slim, elongated back and muscles without too much bulk.
Health benefit? Improve balance and co-ordination
to give your core strength and control for optimal
body alignment.
Bet you didn’t know: Pilates is a key exercise for
rehabilitation and to develop/control balance
and spinal alignment.
Who should do it? Everyone can do Pilates. Whether you are a beginner, intermediate or advanced. Go easy, and progress with ease.
Great for: Increasing joint mobility, muscle tone and power and endurance. Also great to help relieve back pain.
Know this: Find an instructor who can correct movements and make you feel comfortable with Pilates. Rule number one: enjoy!
